New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the importance of prompt justice in cases of crimes against women, stating that it would provide them with greater confidence in their safety. He added that the judiciary serves as a guardian of the Constitution, stating that both the Supreme Court and the judiciary have upheld this crucial responsibility.
The Prime Minister's comments came amid widespread outrage over the rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata. He made these remarks during the inaugural event of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary at Bharat Mandapam on Friday.
“There are several laws in the country that address the issue of women's safety. In 2019, the fast-track courts law was passed. Under this witness, deposition centres were created. District monitoring committees play an important role. We must strengthen these committees further and the faster verdicts are delivered on issues of women's safety, the more it will safeguard the justice delivery process,” he said at the event.
Further, he added, “Today, atrocities against women, safety of children… are serious concerns of the society. Many strict laws have been made in the country for the safety of women, but we need to make it more active. The faster the decisions are taken in cases related to atrocities against women, the greater assurance of safety half the population will get.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks came a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to him, renewing her call for strict central legislation and severe penalties for heinous crimes such as rape and murder. The TMC supremo also mentioned that she had previously sent a letter to the Prime Minister but had not received a response.
About National Conference Of District Judiciary
The two-day conference, organised by the Supreme Court of India, will see participation from over 800 members of the district judiciary from across all States and Union Territories, according to a press release from the Prime Minister's Office.
The five working sessions will focus on key issues concerning the District Judiciary, including infrastructure, human resources, inclusive courtrooms, judicial security and wellness, case management, and judicial training.
The inaugural programme saw participation from the Chief Justice of India, other Supreme Court judges, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, the Attorney General of India, the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, and the Chairman of the Bar Council of India.
President Droupadi Murmu will deliver the valedictory address on September 1, during which she will also unveil the flag and insignia of the Supreme Court, according to a press release from the top court.